A delicate embossed pattern brings depth and texture to the traditional style, whilst thin waxed cranberry laces add a hint of colour. Finishing touches include a soft leather lining, our signature Stewart tartan insole and a Laurel Wreath embossed leather tab to the heel. Team with slim trousers, a graphic-detail knit and this season's made in England raincoat.

See the full men's Laurel Wreath Collection online here, or use our Shop Finder page for your nearest location.

Monday, 24th Sep 2012

Fred Perry are pleased to announce the release of two new exclusive George Cox footwear styles, as part of our on-going Friends of Fred project. Established in 1906 in Northamptonshire, the home of British shoemaking, George Cox has built a reputation for their uncompromising craftsmanship and traditional values on quality. Keen to see the process involved in making each shoe; we took a visit to the factory to see British manufacturing at its best.

The company, famed for its creeper styles, utilises a production process known as Goodyear Welting. The hands-on nature of this construction means that the shoes take much longer to produce than those made using wholly mechanised techniques. Whilst many modern manufactured shoes have their soles simply glued on, the Goodyear welting process involves several stages of sealing with each shoe individually finished by a skilled craftsman. Whilst at the George Cox factory, we witnessed the production of the new women's Friends of Fred Gibson shoe from beginning to end.

Firstly, the suede or leather hide is selected and the upper shoe pattern cut out by hand. In footwear production this initial stage is known as 'clicking' and calls for great skill and precision. Once the suede has been cut to shape, the pieces - including the lining - are stitched together and then stretched and shaped over the last. Each shoe style has a different last, created with individual characteristics, and it's this shaping tool that replicates the anatomical information of the foot and gives the shoe its sturdy, recognisable finish.

A welt (a strip of material) is then stitched to the upper and inner sole holding all the pieces firmly together. Next, the bottom of the shoe is compacted with a special filler to create a flat surface, whilst also adding insulation. Now the whole upper part of the shoe is complete, the soles are carefully trimmed and stitched to the welt. The final stages of making the shoe involves the stitching, fixing and attachment of the heel; overall polishing and one last examination, ensuring everything is as it should be before carefully boxing.

Monday, 13th Aug 2012

In continuation of our 60 Year Anniversary celebrations, our Laurel Wreath Collection plays host to a selection of limited edition 60 Year pieces; offering a contemporary take on four styles originally seen in the 1952 Fred Perry Sportswear catalogue.

The 1952 garments, originally designed with sportswear performance in mind, were considered progressive both in terms of the fabrics and designs of their day. The 1952 Fred Perry shirts, made from 100% cotton and manufactured using a specially created cellular mesh knit, were designed for ultimate freedom of movement and to keep the wearer cool - as it turned out these were ideal not just for athletes, but also for the young lads who wanted to dance all night in crowded jazz clubs. The heavyweight zip through cardigans with flat knit collars designed for pre match journeys had a pared down style and embodied a forward thinking ideology that also appealed to these fledgling Mods.

The all black 60 Years Collection maintains the clean and simple design ethos of the original styles; details are functional and understated with the use of self-coloured zips and single needle stitching. Fabrics have been modernised, utilising Italian merino wools and mercerised cottons - selected for their softer handle and drape. Rich leather and suede mix heritage style plimsolls give the collection a distinct finish that stays true to heritage and modernism.